Sony TC-KA3ES - Manual (Page 10)

Advanced Recording Operations
Adjusting Bias, Recording Level
and Recording Equalizer
Calibration
Since there are many different types of cassettes on the
market, the tape deck automatically sets the
appropriate equalization characteristics and bias
current for each tape type (ATS: Automatic Tape
Selection).
However, you can get better recording results by
adjusting the bias current, recording level and
recording equalizer.
1
2
Insert the cassette you want to record on.
Press CALIBRATION.
The display for adjusting the bias, recording level
and recording equalizer appears.
3 Press # REC,
4 Press 11 PAUSE or ► to record the test tones. (You
can't hear the test tones.)
After two or three seconds, the meters showing the
level of the test tones appear in the display.
Then adjust, in sequence, the bias, recording level
and recording equalizer.
5 Adjust BIAS CALIBRATION so that both meters
indicate equal signal levels.
If the upper meter shows a higher level than the
lower meter, turn the BIAS CALIBRATION
clockwise.
If the lower meter shows a higher level than the
upper meter, turn the BIAS CALIBRATION
counterclockwise.
Adjust REC LEVEL CALIBRATION so that only |
appears. Make sure either or ► does not
appear.
If ► appears, turn REC LEVEL CALIBRATION
clockwise.
If appears, turn REC LEVEL CALIBRATION
counterclockwise.
Only I appears
Adjust REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION so that
both meters reach the recommended level.
Turn REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION clockwise
to increase both meters.
Turn REC EQUALIZER CALIBRATION
counterclockwise to decrease both meters.
Repieat steps 5 to 7 if necessary.
8 Press ■ to stop recording the test tones.
The display returns to normal.
9 Rewind the tape and start the actual recording.
'Q' You can also adjust the bias, recording level and the
recording equalizer according to your own taste
For details, see on page 17.
Notes
• Because the meters use a wider amplitude during tape
calibration, they are more sensitive to slight changes in
signal level.
• When you use metal (type IV) tapes, the frequency response
to adjustments of the bias current is small. Therefore,
adjusting the bias current with the range of this tape deck (a
range of about ±20%) may not be effective.
10
Equal signal level